Riga Technical University (RTU) Science and Innovation Centre (ZIC) invites applications for participation in the defence industry hackathon “EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025” by May 5. The hackathon will take place from May 9 to 11 at RTU Rezekne Academy. The goal of the hackathon is to promote innovation development in the defence sector, focusing on the creation of innovative equipment and software solutions for Ukraine's defence needs. The hackathon will bring together the brightest minds in Europe to tackle important defence and cybersecurity challenges, thereby strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities.
Register to participate in the hackathon.
“This hackathon is a unique opportunity for Latvia to demonstrate its potential in the field of defence innovation, while also making a real contribution to the security of Europe, particularly the Eastern border and Ukraine. We invite young people, entrepreneurs, and researchers to use this platform to create bold and relevant solutions that can impact the real situation on the battlefield. Innovation requires an environment where ideas, knowledge, and experience come together, and that is exactly what this international initiative offers,” emphasizes RTU Vice-Rector for Innovation, Liene Briede.
This year's hackathon theme is rapid defence solutions for Ukraine’s battlefield and similar operational needs. Participants are invited to develop solutions in one of three defence priority areas: tactical surveillance systems; cost-effective combat protection tools; or enhanced military medical assistance. The solutions should be adaptable, cost-efficient, and rapidly deployable to meet immediate operational needs, while remaining flexible in various combat scenarios.
Creative and innovative students, representatives of the technology and defence sectors, ICT experts, entrepreneurs and startups with experience and interest in developing defence sector technologies, as well as others interested in contributing to the development of Ukraine’s and Europe’s defence system, are invited to participate.
Due to security requirements relevant to the defence sector, only individuals aged 18 and over, who are citizens and residents of EU member states, Norway, or Ukraine, may participate. Participants must be able to present an ID card or passport before and during the event. All applications will be thoroughly reviewed and evaluated, and their eligibility confirmed by the event’s organising committee.
Taking place simultaneously in eight countries
The hackathon is an initiative of the European Commission (EC), implemented through the EC’s European Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). While this is the second time the hackathon will take place on a European scale, it is the first time in Latvia. Simultaneously, the hackathon will take place in eight countries – Latvia, Spain, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic – bringing together innovators from the European defence industry, including Norway and Ukraine, to develop innovative equipment and software solutions that are adaptable for Ukraine’s defence and similar operational needs.
Participation in the hackathon offers the opportunity to build connections with leading industry experts, learn from experienced mentors, and improve skills in emerging technologies. The authors of the best ideas will compete for cash prizes, a chance to participate in a two-month EUDIS mentoring programme, receiving up to 40 hours of guidance from international experts, as well as an opportunity to present their solution in the EU-wide hackathon final.
Read more about the hackathon guidelines here.
“EUDIS Defence Hackathon 2025” will take place at RTU Rezekne Academy, Atbrīvošanas aleja 115, Rezekne, with the possibility to join remotely. A free bus will be organised on the Liepāja–Rīga–Rēzekne route and back. Bus seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Two info sessions will be held
To learn more about the hackathon challenges and the application process, interested individuals can register to participate in the European-level “EUDIS Defence Hackathon” info session, which will take place online on April 9 at 16:00.
On April 16 from 15:00 to 16:00, the Latvia-level “EUDIS Defence Hackathon” info session will take place online, offering an opportunity to learn more about the hackathon in Latvia, gain a deeper insight into the theme and a detailed overview of the hackathon challenges and expected solutions, as well as receive answers to any questions. The event language will be English. Register to participate in the info session.
The hackathon is organised by RTU ZIC. Support for the hackathon is provided by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of the Interior, State Border Guard, SIA “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons”, SIA “BELSS”, RTU Rezekne Academy, UniLab, Manabalss.lv, the Latvian Federation of Security and Defence Industries, the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, “Tilde”, “Gorgon Optronics”, “Hidrolab”, “Baltic Photonics”, the Latgale Planning Region, the Latgale Special Economic Zone, the Rezekne Special Economic Zone, and other key companies and defence industry representatives from Latvia and the Latgale region.
The hackathon is funded by the European Defence Fund (EDF), a European Commission programme.
